Fauna
Insect

San Francisco Lacewing

Nothochrysa californica

Also known as California Lacewing

San Francisco lacewings represent an ancient, relictual lineage within the green lacewing family, recognized by archaic wing venation and a distinctly robust build. Adults inhabit the canopies of native trees such as oaks and conifers, fluttering slowly through foliage during the warmer months. Both the bristled larvae and active adults are beneficial predators, devouring significant quantities of plant pests across coastal western North America.

Beneficial InsectPredatoryWoodland
San Francisco Lacewing reference1 / 7
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—observations
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—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAphids, Scale insects, Psyllids
Predators
  • Insectivorous birds
  • Orb-weaver spiders
  • Praying mantises
ThreatsHabitat loss from coastal development and broad-spectrum pesticide use
HabitatsOak woodlands, mixed evergreen forests, and coastal conifer stands
Life spanSeveral months as adults; up to 1 year including larval stages
Classification
  1. FamilyChrysopidae
  2. SpeciesNothochrysa californica
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Harmless to humans and pets; safe to observe at close range.
Responsible observation
  • Lighting: Check outdoor porch lights or illuminated white sheets near woodlands on warm summer nights.
  • Gentle Observation: Inspect tree bark and lower oak branches carefully without shaking the foliage.
Related species
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